Veteran warhorse Ajayan is upbeat about I-league

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Being the senior-most player in the Chirag United Kerala squad has not brought any difference to K. Ajayan when training among the young players of the team.

Of the current lot of 18 players currently training at the parade ground in Kannur, Ajayan will be the one who coach K.P. Kunhikrishnan keenly looks up to.

Nine years of experience for Ajayan at the club level and the experience as a team member of Indian football team for eight years will be a major factor for Chirag United Kerala this I-league season.

“The fighting spirit shown by the young players is awesome. This will be a major boost in the training sessions of the team. With the arrival of the foreign players too, the team will be a competitive one in I-league,” says Ajayan.

“Though most of the players are new in the team, there is a good rapport between the players already. If everything comes right, Chirag United will emerge as one of the best team in the country,” he says.

Ajayan, who started his career at SBT, has played for Vasco Goa for two years, Mahindra United for five years and Pune FC for two years. He was the captain of Mahindra FC during his stint there. Ajayan has also scored three goals for the national team.

The midfielder from Kollam, who has played most of his career outside the State, is looking forward for a good spell in his own State.

“Playing in Kerala in front of home ground is a different experience and I was waiting for a good opportunity to play in Kerala,” he said.

The player is waiting for the arrival of the foreign players. “Our aim is to build a strong team before the Federation Cup itself. The foreign players will arrive soon and we will be training to make a remarkable achievement in Federation Cup,” he says.

“An early victory will be a big morale boost for the team, especially for the young ones. At present, we have a great atmosphere and we have to maintain the sprit,” he explained.

During his stint at Mahindra United he has also played against Viva Kerala, which is now Chirag United Kerala.

“The club has given opportunity to several youngsters from Kerala. The players are also getting good management support,” he said.

The squad will continue their training at Kannur for the next three weeks and will fly to Kolkata to prepare for the Federation Cup 2011 tournament.